Government Digital Service Demonstrates Verify an Identity Assurance System

Rory Cellan-Jones reports on the BBC news website about a new Identity Assurance System that has been developed by Government Digital Services. The idea is that it will be one-stop shop for proving identity for a range of government services, from renewing your passport or driving licence to paying tax.

Under the system verification of identity is not done by the government but by a range of outside companies. While the system is being developed this is currently limited to the credit rating agency Experian and the American company Verizon. Ultimately it is expected that other organisations like banks and UK mobile phone operators will also be suppliers.

Unfortunately, as Rory reports, when he tried out the system it was unable to verify his identity – not a good start.